Trump Issues Ultimatum to Iran to Reopen Strait of Hormuz
US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz immediately. Trump made clear that Tehran would face an American military attack in the near future if the strategic shipping route remained closed.
In an interview with Fox News on Tuesday (5 August) local time, Trump stressed that the Strait of Hormuz, the lifeblood of global oil and gas trade, must resume operations as soon as possible.
“The Strait of Hormuz will be opened soon, or they will be hit very hard. After that, the strait will also be open,” Trump declared.
This hardline statement comes amid reports that Washington is moving closer to a provisional agreement with Iran through Omani mediation. According to a report by Axios, the United States hopes the official announcement of this deal could come as early as Wednesday (6 August).
Trump revealed that talks with Iran had so far been positive. He assessed that Tehran was beginning to show a willingness to end the conflict that erupted on 28 February, when the United States, together with Israel, launched attacks against Iran.
Despite feeling optimistic, Trump stressed that Washington would not rush into a final decision. “We are having very good discussions. What matters most is concrete action. They want to make a deal. We will just see what happens,” he said.
Shortly before boarding the presidential aircraft Air Force One to fly from California to Las Vegas, Trump again expressed his belief that a deal could be reached soon. “I think the deal could happen tomorrow or the day after,” he said.
An Axios report citing several US and regional officials stated that the draft agreement includes arrangements for 60 days of safe shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, which borders Oman.
Under this scheme, the key points covered include:
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most vital maritime routes in the world. The majority of energy exports from the Gulf region pass through these narrow waters. Disruption to this route has significant potential to shake global energy supplies and trigger a sharp surge in world oil prices.
Iran and Oman are negotiating the management of shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. Qatar has affirmed the importance of freedom of navigation in accordance with international law.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said an agreement on opening the Strait of Hormuz could be reached soon, although Tehran denies there are direct negotiations.
The United States hopes an agreement on reopening the Strait of Hormuz can be finalised in the near future amid the ongoing war tensions with Iran.
The Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Minoan Pioneer was struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz. One crew member is missing as the US-Iran war tensions continue to escalate.
US President Donald Trump has asserted that Washington will take over the collection of fees in the Strait of Hormuz and rejected Iran’s claims over the waterway.